Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Published: July 28, 2025

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nutritious Alternative: By using quinoa instead of tortillas, you get a healthy base packed with protein and fiber.
Bursting with Flavor: Each layer—from the seasoned grilled chicken to the fresh avocado salsa—offers a delightful taste experience.
Quick Preparation: With just 25 minutes of prep time, you can enjoy this delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Versatile Serving Options: Customize your bowls with toppings like cheese or Greek yogurt for added richness.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week for lunches or quick dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To make these grilled chicken burrito bowls, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment to streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill (outdoor or indoor)
Medium saucepan
Meat mallet
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Grill: Provides that perfect charred flavor on the chicken, enhancing its taste.
Medium saucepan: Essential for cooking quinoa perfectly; it helps absorb the broth’s flavor.
Mixing bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients like salsa without any mess.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients needed to create your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa:

For the Quinoa Bowl

1 1/2 cups dry quinoa
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 Tbsp ancho chili powder
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
1 2/3 cups frozen corn, warmed (optional)
1 (14.5 oz) can black beans, warmed along with liquid from the can then drained (optional)
Mexican blend cheese or queso fresco (optional)
Plain Greek yogurt or light sour cream (optional)

For the Avocado Salsa

3 medium roma tomatoes, diced
1 1/2 medium avocados, diced
1/2 cup chopped red onion, rinsed
1 jalapeño, seeded for less heat if desired and minced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
2 Tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro

How to Make Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

In a medium saucepan stir together quinoa and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat then cover, reduce heat to medium-low and allow to simmer for 15 minutes or until broth has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Meanwhile, heat your grill to 425 degrees F. In a small bowl whisk together ancho chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt (3/4 tsp), and pepper (1/4 tsp). Pound chicken breasts to even out their thickness using the flat side of a meat mallet. Brush both sides with olive oil then season them with the spice mixture. Grill chicken until center registers 165 degrees on an instant-read thermometer—about 4 minutes per side. Transfer chicken to a plate, cover it, and let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting into pieces.

Step 3: Make the Avocado Salsa

While the chicken rests, prepare the avocado salsa. In a medium mixing bowl gently toss together diced tomatoes, avocados, red onion, jalapeño, minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble Your Burrito Bowls

To assemble burrito bowls, divide cooked quinoa among serving bowls. Top each bowl with grilled chicken pieces, corn, black beans (if using), cheese (if desired), avocado salsa and Greek yogurt. Serve immediately!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Customize Your Bowl

Add Extra Proteins: Consider adding shrimp or tofu for a protein boost.
Include Fresh Greens: Spinach or mixed greens can add a crunchy, fresh element.
Use Different Bases: Swap quinoa for brown rice or cauliflower rice for different flavors and textures.

Flavor Enhancements

Top with Hot Sauce: A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can spice things up.
Incorporate Pickled Vegetables: Add some tangy pickled onions for a refreshing bite.
Garnish with Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime right before eating brightens the flavors.

Build a Meal Prep Option

Pack for Lunch: These bowls make for an excellent meal prep option; just keep the components separate until ready to eat.
Serve as a Salad: Transform your bowl into a salad by mixing it all together and serving it cold.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Making the perfect Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa involves attention to detail and some handy tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your dish.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and ripe avocados will enhance the flavor of your salsa significantly.
Marinate Chicken Ahead of Time: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight will deepen its flavor.
Cook Quinoa Properly: Ensure your quinoa is fluffy by rinsing it before cooking to remove bitterness.
Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to adjust spices based on personal preference; adding smoked paprika can give it a unique twist.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Charred corn on the cob coated in mayo, cheese, and chili powder adds vibrant flavors.
Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad made with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and cilantro complements the bowls well.
Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole served with tortilla chips makes for a tasty appetizer.
Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice cooked in tomato sauce gives an extra layer of flavor that pairs perfectly with burrito bowls.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus are delicious when grilled alongside your chicken.
Cilantro Lime Rice: Adding zesty lime and fresh cilantro elevates plain rice into something special.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa is simple, but a few common mistakes can impact the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

Overcooking the Quinoa: Cooking quinoa for too long can make it mushy. Follow the cooking time closely and let it rest after cooking to achieve a fluffy texture.
Skipping Seasoning: Neglecting to season the chicken properly can result in bland flavors. Use the spice mixture generously on both sides of the chicken before grilling.
Ignoring Rest Time: Cutting into chicken immediately after grilling allows juices to escape. Let it rest for 5 minutes to keep it juicy and tender.
Not Rinsing Canned Beans: Using black beans straight from the can can lead to a salty taste. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water before adding them to your bowl.
Underestimating Avocado Salsa: Skimping on lime juice or salt in the avocado salsa can dull its flavor. Taste as you go, adjusting seasoning until it pops!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
They will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Keep components like avocado salsa separate if possible to maintain freshness.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Portion out servings into freezer-safe containers.
These bowls can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover bowls with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, stirring frequently, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute quinoa with rice in Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls?

Yes, you can use rice instead of quinoa. Just adjust the cooking times according to your rice type.

How do I make Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa spicier?

Add extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken or mixing the salsa.

What toppings pair well with these burrito bowls?

You can add toppings like shredded lettuce, diced bell peppers, or sliced olives for extra flavor and crunch.

How do I store leftovers of Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls?

Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Avocado Salsa are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize this recipe by swapping ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. Give it a try and enjoy layering your favorite flavors!